Yolo County, California

Yolo County was founded on February 18, 1850 as one of the original 27 counties . This county name in the original act of 1850, the name was spelled “Yola.” Yolo is an Indian name variously believed to be a corruption of an Indian tribal name Yo-loy meaning “a place abounding in rushes” or of the name of the Indian chief, Yodo, or of the Indian village of Yodoi.

Yolo County consists of Federal Census Schedules to guide in looking into your family tree. Federal Population Schedules can be found for 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880(free index), 1890(fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Yolo County Courthouse and Government Records

Yolo County Courthouse

Researchers often overlook the advantages of Yolo County court, probate, and land files as a useful resource of genealogical details. Hidden away in California courthouses and archives everywhere tend to be the dreams and frustrations of the many California inhabitants.

The possibilities are great that your potential forefathers have left a detailed document of at least a number of facets of their lives in the Yolo County court records. Even if your ancestors is not mentioned in a Court case, contemplate all of the other methods that could have lead to her or him showing up in court records.

Courthouse History - Weakened by earthquakes and characterized by "improper ventilation and foul odors," Yolo's first courthouse was condemned in 1911 as "unsanitary and unfit for the transactions of the court." It was replaced in 1917 by an expanded, classically inspired courthouse that is still in use. The building was restored in the 1980s and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Some counties encompass land settled in the eighteenth century; their records pre-date county formation. Land transactions and vital records recorded in the county are at the county recorder's office. The county clerk general has probate books and files from the county's superior court, civil court records, and naturalizations. Divorces may be in either place, depending on how filed.

The following facts indicates whatever marriage, birth, death, land, wills, and court records will be in Yolo County. The years indicated below are considered the first widely known records for this county. Land was later added from Solano County in 1857.

Remember to get in touch with the clerk's dept to verify hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics prior to visiting or seeking information because of in some cases changing contact details. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The data files are readily available to interested parties, barring private issues. A good number of employees will assist persons in obtaining the materials, but it's up to the person to do the research.

Yolo County Recorder-Clerk is s responsible for examination and recording of all documents presented for recording that deal with establishing ownership of land in the County or as required by statute; administers the real property transfer tax law and maintains a permanent record and indexes of all documents for public viewing plus providing certified copies requested by the public; recording of all lawful documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, judgments, liens, affidavits, Uniform Commercial Code Financial Statements, etc; and the filing of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

Yolo County Clerk of Superior Court has probate books and files from the county's superior court, civil court records, and naturalizations. Divorces may be here or in the Recorders Office, depending on how it was filed.

Yolo County Links

The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources relevant to Yolo County. A majority of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a payment. This is basically a listing which has been gathered or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site above another. Feel free to suggest your own preferred Yolo County genealogy or family history associated sites.

Yolo Co. CA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Historical Newspapers from California (1813 - 1978)(genealogybank.com) Easily identify names and keywords in over 450 million articles, obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements along with other items written in over 2,800 historical U.S. newspapers. Completely new content added each month!

Search California Obituaries (1985 to current)(genealogybank.com) Over 28 million obituaries containing helpful information such as names, dates, places of birth, death, marriage and family information make this the most complete collection from the 20th and 21st centuries - 1,100 U.S. newspapers.

Yolo Co. CA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

California Pioneer Project - The California Pioneer List (CPL) is a list of settlers to California who migrated to or were born in California prior to 1880 (included in the 1880 California Census) and obtained from those sent (e-mailed) directly from individuals doing genealogical research.

Yolo Co. CA General and History Websites

Yolo County History(rootsweb.ancestry.com) History of Yolo County With Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present, 1913

Yolo Co. CA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Yolo Co. CA Military Records

California Military Records(fold3.com) gives you easy access to military records, stories, photos, and personal documents of the California individuals that served. Great for Yolo County genealogists, researchers, historians and more.